Agenda item

Copies of the following papers attached:-

There had been circulated copies of the request from Mr Stephen Cranston, per Stuart Patterson Building & Timber Frame Design, 5 Burnflat Lane, Hawick, to review refusal of the planning application for part change of use from garage/storage and alterations to form a workshop and storage for joinery business at Buccleuch Hotel, Trinity Street, Hawick. The supporting papers included the Notice of Review; Decision Notice; Officer’s Report; papers referred to in the Officer’s Report; Consultations; representation; and a list of policies. Members noted that the site was an annex to the former Buccleuch Hotel, which was now vacant, and that the proposal was for the basement floor to accommodate the joinery business, workshop and store and the former hotel car park to the rear to be used as the workshop yard.  Members commented that this empty building, comprising the basement and two upper floors was at risk of becoming derelict which would have a negative visual effect on the streetscape.  They accepted that the location had become an increased commercial and business area, with a mix of business and residential uses surrounding the site. Views were expressed that the proposal could co-exist satisfactorily with adjoining uses and enhance the vitality and mixed use nature of the town centre. In view of the applicant’s declared longer-term intention of converting the two upper floors to residential or retail use, Members agreed that further information was required about the construction of the workshop in terms of materials to mitigate against the impact of noise breakout into those areas.  They also noted that the Ecology Officer had sought further information, specifically a survey for bats, ahead of the determination of the planning application.  Members therefore agreed that the review could not be considered without further procedure in the form of written submissions in respect of both these matters.

DECISION

AGREED that:-

(a)        the request for a review had been competently made in terms of Section 43A of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997;

(b)       the review could not be considered without further procedure in the form of written submissions;

(c)       the applicant be requested to provide further information, in respect of the building subject to the application, as follows:

·          A survey for bats; and

·          Further details of potential development of the floors over the workshop, as a future phase and as referred to in the appeal statement, and proposed measures to be incorporated into the construction of the workshop to mitigate against the impact of noise breakout into those areas.

(d)       consideration of the review be continued on a date to be arranged.